The Food of a Younger Land

Mark Kurlansky talked about his book The Food of a Younger Land: A Portrait of American Food--Before the National Highway System, Before Chain Restaurants, and Before Frozen Food, When the Nation’s Food Was Seasonal (Riverhead May 14, 2009). Mark Kurlansky examined the Works Progress Administration’s “America Eats” writing project that was initiated to document local eating habits during the 1930s and whose authors included the likes of Zora Neale Hurston and Eudora Welty. The project, which was never completed, provides insight on America’s dietary habits prior to the creation of the national highway system, fast food franchises, and large grocery stores. Mark Kurlansky discussed his book on stage with Rick Nichols, food columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer. He also responded to questions from members of the audience. close